Charges won’t be laid against UVic student accused of sex assault

Charges will not be laid against a University of Victoria student, accused of sex assault against a number of other students.

Saanich Police announced the arrest earlier this year, but the Criminal Justice Branch says senior prosecutors have decided not to proceed with charges.

The Crown says there is no substantial likelihood of conviction.

Crown spokesperson Dan McLaughlin says says a thorough review of evidence found there was no likelihood of conviction.

“Certainly, if the evidence was there we’d be quite content to proceed with charges. In this case, unfortunately, we weren’t able to make that conclusion.”

The Crown adds the prosecution needs to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt…which can be raised by “evidence, the absense of evidence, inconsistencies in the evidence, or the credibility or reliability of one or more of the witnesses.”

Because the charges were not approved, the suspect’s name is not being released.

The Criminal Justice Branch is also not discussing the evidence, out of respect for the complainants.

The burden of proof has been the subject of much discourse in Canada, since last month’s acquittal of former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi – in a case that centered on witness and victim credibility.